Protect against harmful apps

Some of this information applies only to devices running Android 5.0 and higher. If your device is running 4.4 or lower, the Menu icon looks like this . If your device is running 4.3 or lower, the Settings icon looks like this .

Some applications can harm you or your device. We recommend you download from trusted sources, like the Google Play Store. You can also turn on app verification if you download from outside of Google Play—this makes sure the apps you install are scanned for malware before and after you install them on your device.

App security on Google Play

The Google Play Store helps protect your device by blocking potentially harmful apps. Before an app is published to Google Play, it's reviewed to make sure it's not harmful.

Downloading from sources other than Google Play

You can allow your device to download apps from sources other than Google Play by turning on the "Unknown sources" feature.

IMPORTANT: Your phone and personal data are vulnerable to attack by apps from unknown sources. If you allow downloading apps from unknown sources, be aware that your phone may be damaged or lose data.

On your device, open the Settings app .

Under "Personal," touch Security.

Turn on Unknown sources.

Turn app verification on or off

The "Verify apps" feature regularly checks activity on your device and prevents or warns you about potential harm. If you have a device with multiple users, only the device's owner can turn verification on or off.

On your device, open the Google Settings app .

Touch Security.

Under "Verify apps," turn Scan device for security threats on or off. When this setting is on, it regularly checks your device activity and prevents or warns about potential harm.

Ways you'll be warned about potentially harmful apps on your device

With "Verify apps" turned on, your device will check apps when you install them and periodically scan for potentially harmful apps.